Shear Thickening Fluid Enhanced Textiles for Durable, Puncture- and Cut-Resistant Environmental Protection Garments

This Small Business Technology Transfer Research Phase II will develop and advance the commercialization of STF-ArmorTM nanocomposite materials for use in Environmental Protection Garments (EPG) for extended exploration missions in diverse environments, including LEO, cis-lunar space, and Lunar and Martian surfaces. The Phase II research will optimize and deliver a validated prototype suit component with an EPG containing STF-ArmorTM textiles that offer superior crew protection to meet the rigorous needs of future missions. The Phase II development of STF-ArmorTM EPGs directly addresses key EVA suit technology gaps related to dust, puncture, MMOD and secondary ejecta at both the material and testing/methods levels. The research objectives are structured to deliver a high TRL at the end of Phase II, culminating with the delivery of suit component prototypes that are compatible with existing test hardware and continued Phase III suit system development and commercialization through infusion into future Advanced EVA Suit Development programs. The proposed Phase II leverages the results of synergistic NASA-sponsored research (including ISS materials testing) conducted at the University of Delaware, combined with a commercialization pathway provided by STF Technologies and our commercialization partners, to develop advanced EPG materials that improve crew safety without increasing weight or joint torque. STF-ArmorTM textiles offer a mass-efficient means for improving the puncture, MMOD, and dust resistance of EVA suits as superior shell and absorber layers with good flexibility, as demonstrated in Phase I. STF-treatment in combination with superhydrophobic coating of textiles creates EPG materials with exceptional dust resistance and self-cleaning properties that will be further developed and optimized in Phase II.